Ahh, Manila. The bane of beach-going backpackers in South East Asia. A destination that is not desirable, but oftentimes inevitable, en route to the surf breaks of Siargao or the otherworldly beaches of El Nido. Many backpackers view Manila as nothing more than a necessary evil. But, let’s not be hasty and write Manila off completely just yet.

With such limited time to explore the country, Manila falls far from the priority-list of backpackers abroad. I mean, we’ve got over 7,000 islands to choose from, each with its own abundance of breathtaking destinations. However, as The Philippines’ capital, largest city, and largest international airport, Manila is almost unavoidable. You might as well make the most of it. Having passed through Manila many, many times, it has started growing on me. Finding your spots in its sprawling urban chaos is key.

Most backpackers will have no idea where to start, nor spend nearly enough time to scratch beyond the smoggy surface of Manila. Never fear, I’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know before visiting Manila.

And hey, if this post helps you out, show some love and support for the blog and help keep my adventures going by buying me a beer! My adventures are entirely self-funded, so any show of support is greatly appreciated. It allows me to keep providing free travel guides and creating travel content to help you all travel the world.

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Table of Contents

• How To Get To Manila
• Where To Stay: Best Hostels in Manila
• How To Get Around in Manila
• The Best Things To Do in Manila
• Nightlife in Manila
• More on the Philippines

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How To Get To Manila

Most airports in the Philippines are small and serviced only by regional airlines. Whether you like it or not, you will be passing through Manila. If not Manila, then Cebu, which might be even less exciting of a city. Book your flight to Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport, and then round out the journey with a CebuPacific or AirAsia flight to your final destination. If that leaves you with a long layover or a few days to spend in Manila, it’s not the end of the world. I’ll make sure you have a good time here.

Do the necessary bits upon arrival at the airport. It’s your best shot at a one-stop shop without having to endure running errands in Manila’s heat and chaos. Take out some cash, grab a SIM card, and download Grab. This is South East Asia’s main ride-hailing app. Order a ride, head to your accommodation, get settled in and let’s take on Manila

Oh, and before you leave for the Philippines, be sure to have good travel insurance handy. I use SafetyWing to keep me covered throughout my travels for as low as $2 a day. Their coverage includes the Philippines among the 170+ countries that they cover.

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Where To Stay in Manila: Best Neighborhoods and Hostels

So, where exactly are you going to tell your Grab driver to drop you off? For backpackers unfamiliar with Manila, the hardest part is deciding where to stay. Looking at a map of Metro Manila is nothing short of overwhelming. Sixteen cities make up Metro Manila, and which you choose can make or break your time in Manila.

With family scattered throughout the city, I’ve visited every corner of this expansive sea of slums and skyscrapers. From the oceanfront mega-malls of Pasay to the hip and lively Kyusi, each differs vastly from one another. There is one neighborhood that is my go-to, tried and true home base. For international travelers, staying in Makati is a must.

Most of the hotels and backpacker hostels are located in this modern district, such as the reliable Manila-Z Hostel and lively branch of Mad Monkey’s party hostel chain. There is no shortage of hostels to choose from in Makati, but Lub D Makati was my overall favorite. It has a balance of comfort and social atmosphere, with all the amenities a traveler needs to get their feet set. One can opt for a budget-friendly dorm room, or cozy up in a cheap private room after a long flight. The highlight might be Lub D’s rooftop restaurant-bar, boasting an incredible view of Manila’s skyline and sea of colorful buildings.

Opting to stay in Makati will put you within walking distance to weekend markets, air-conditioned malls, restaurants catering to every budget, and much more. Staying in Makati also puts you in the heart of Manila’s nightlife scene, among the best in South East Asia.

While Makati is a good home base, the many different attractions of Manila are spread throughout. There are a lot more exciting things to see in Manila. Let’s talk about how to navigate the Philippine capital.

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How To Get Around Manila: Public Transport, Jeepneys, and Ride-Hailing Apps

Although Metro Manila does have an extensive public transportation system, it could use a little work. At best, it is crowded and unreliable, and during rush hours, well, good luck. With Manila being one of the world’s largest cities, the metro system is also among the world’s busiest. Don’t even think of trying to squeeze in one of the jam-packed trains, buses, and Jeepneys around this time.

Jeepneys?

Jeepneys are one of the Philippines’ most recognizable and beloved icons. These former army vehicles have been repurposed to whisk people to and fro throughout the city. While riding in a Jeepney is a quintessential Filipino experience, they can be tricky to figure out. Most of them have their starting and final destinations labeled, but if you’re going in between, you’ll have to ask on board if they’ll be passing close to your destination. Jeepneys are cheap, but can be cramped and uncomfortable. I much prefer looking at the intricately-decorated exterior of a Jeepney to being in the suffocating inside of one.

Sure, if you plan on staying in Manila long-term, getting a base-level understanding of the public transportation is a good idea. However, most backpackers will spend a few days maximum in the city. When allotting just a few days of your Philippines travel itinerary to Manila, it is best to prioritize time instead of saving every last penny. Although traffic can be a huge issue, it will be more convenient to order a taxi on Grab. Motorcycle-hailing apps like Move It and Joyride are also popular. If you don’t mind weaving in and out of traffic on the back of a motorbike, download those as well.

I use Saily eSIM to keep me online during my travels, ensuring that I have internet from the moment I land to when I leave. It’s a game-changer for figuring out directions on the fly, coordinating plans with new travel buddies, or keeping friends and family back home updated. Having an eSIM simply makes travel that much easier. Philippines eSIMs start at just $3, and you can use my code “eli5” for an additional 5% off of your first Saily eSIM.

Alright, enough blabbing. That should be enough to find your footing in Manila (but if it’s not, be sure to check out my crash course travel guide to backpacking in the Philippines). On to the good stuff. Let’s head to our first stop. Tara na.

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The Best Things To Do in Manila

Going to cities like Bangkok and Singapore really spoiled me. What do you mean you could just aimlessly walk around and stumble into a magnificent temple or bustling street market by accident? Manila is not so blessed. One will have to dig a little deeper and Google a little harder to find worthwhile places to visit. That doesn’t mean they’re not there, though! Most travelers will walk within a 5-block radius of their hostel and deem Manila as a boring, dirty city with nothing to do.

Exploring on foot is my favorite way to experience a city, but you will have to scrap that expectation for Manila. The attractions are fairly spread out, and the city is too dang hot to even enjoy wandering aimlessly outdoors. Get in that Grab and let’s zoom zoom around the city, boi. Here are my favorite things to do in Manila.

Explore the Historic Walled City of Intramuros

One of the few of what I’d call Manila’s must-visit attractions is the Walled City of Intramuros. Within the confines of its stone walls, one will find beautiful churches, colonial architecture, cultural monuments, and a more laid-back atmosphere. It is a stark contrast to Metro Manila’s towering skyscrapers and urban sprawl. Intramuros is peaceful and charming, with its historic ramparts sheltering it from the chaos of the city.

There are quite a few places to check out in Intramuros. My favorite is Casa Manila, a traditional Filipino house dating back to the colonial era. Now a museum, Casa Manila provides a lens into the past, perfectly capturing a nostalgic Philippine aesthetic from a simpler time. Within the house, you’ll find antique furniture, chinaware, artworks, and more.

Outside Casa Manila, you’ll find a row of bamboo bicycles lining the cobbled streets. Make sure to rent one of these bamboo bikes for a unique way to explore Intramuros. You have the option to join a guided tour or pedal at your own leisure on a solo joyride.

Continue your adventures in Intramuros by heading to the historic Fort Santiago, passing Plaza de Roma and the Metropolitan Cathedral along the way. Dating back to the year 1571, Fort Santiago is an excellent place to learn about Philippine history, from its colonization to its fight for independence. Navigate its many rooms and displays, then take a stroll along the ramparts to soak in some nice views.

Gardens and Museums of Rizal Park

While in Intramuros, it’s worth checking out Rizal Park just outside the city’s walls. This large green space borders the sea, and is filled with art installations, tranquil gardens, and a handful of National Museums and Libraries. The National Library, Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Anthropology, and Museum of Natural History can all be found in Rizal Park. The humidity and heat of Manila rarely make it enjoyable to be outside for long stretches of time, but if there’s one exception, it’d be Rizal Park.

Street Food and Sprawling Markets in Quiapo

From Rizal Park, head over to Quiapo, home to one of Manila’s most bustling market areas. A taxi will take about 5 minutes from Rizal Park to reach the Quinta Market. Manila’s frenetic pace is in full display at this energetic market packed with vendors selling anything you can imagine. A wide variety of Filipino street food can be found at Quinta Market, including intestines, chicken feet, and Youtuber-favorite, balut. Explore Quiapo to your heart’s content to indulge in some authentic Philippine culture.

Visit Binondo, The World’s First Chinatown

From Quinta Market, walk a little further until you find yourself in Binondo. This lively region is home to the world’s first Chinatown, dating back to 1594. Go on a food crawl down Ongpin Street flanked with street food vendors and authentic Chinese dim sum restaurants. Filipino cuisine inherits a lot from Chinese immigrants. Be sure to try anything and everything, but especially siopao, as you wander through the neighborhood.

Spend An Evening in Bonifacio Global City

There’s no wrong time to visit Bonifacio Global City, but I do love the evenings when the weather has cooled and the skyscrapers light up. As the trendiest and most upscale neighborhood in Manila, BGC is the place to be. The action centers on Bonifacio High Street, a walking street flanked with countless shops, trendy cafes, and international restaurants. After exploring Quiapo and Binondo, it might catch you off guard how clean, modern, and hip BGC is. Like I mentioned, Metro Manila is sixteen cities in one. These contrasts make it one of the world’s most fascinating places.

Even if you’re not into shopping, BGC is an excellent place to wander. The vibes here are always so lively, and there’s always something going on. It’s not uncommon for a live band to be performing along the High Street, as people sit on benches sipping on boba and chatting away. There are an abundance of unique stores to check out, too. Make sure to pop into Fully Booked and sip on a coffee as you browse through the stacks of books.

Hungry? You are spoiled for choice at BGC. Check out Manam for Filipino cuisine that might just change your mind about Filipino food. There are also a wide array of international cuisines within a short walk of each other. Whether you’re craving Japanese, Korean, Italian, American or something else, it can all be found in Bonifacio Global City.

Explore the Pinto Art Museum in Antipolo

The stunning Pinto Art Museum has become one of Luzon’s top trending attractions, courtesy of being one the top 25 most Instagrammed museums in the world. It’s not hard to see why. Everything at this art gallery, from its architecture, exhibits, to two-hectare botanical garden is aesthetic. Although Antipolo is a bit further out, it is worth the trek for its art, architecture, and idyllic setting. Plan on spending the entire day here. It is much larger, expansive, and immersive than I expected. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants on the grounds to relax and refuel in between visiting the Pinto’s art galleries.

Malls of Manila

Malls are a huge thing in Manila, both literally and figuratively. Manila is home to some of the largest malls in the world. The malls here go beyond just shopping, as they often become a hub for people to meet up in the sweet confines of air-conditioned interiors. The malls of the Philippines are pretty much a one-stop shop. Aside from an array of clothing stores and a food court, these shopping centers go above and beyond. Some of them have movie theaters, fine dining, bars, arcades, supermarkets, amusement parks, museums, and so on. A few of the must-visit malls in Manila are the iconic Mall of Asia, with an estimated daily foot traffic of 200,000 people, and the Venice Grand Canal Mall, replicating the scenes of its namesake, complete with gondola rides.

Take a Stroll Along Manila Bay

While your trip to the Philippines with come with many, many ocean views, it doesn’t hurt to get one more. Roxas Boulevard’s two-kilometer stretch of promenade along Manila Bay, known as the Baywalk, is a great place for a sunset stroll with skyline views. The Manila Bay Beach and Dolomite Beach can also be found along the boardwalk, if you’re feeling impatient and need some sun and sand right away.

Take a Day Trip and Escape the City

While it may seem daunting to try to leave the throes of the city, there are a number of worthwhile day trips one can take from Manila. The most popular one would be to the rolling hills of nearby Tagaytay, taking a boat ride on the lake and catching scenic views of Taal Volcano, or soaking in the beautiful Pagsanjan Falls. For something more adventurous, considering hiking to the crater lake inside Mount Pinatubo, an active volcano. A weekend retreat to Baguio is a classic getaway for Manila’s residents. If you’ve got an extra day or two, it is a convenient way to escape Manila for some fresh air.

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Manila Nightlife Guide: Where To Party

Now that you’ve explored every corner of Manila, you’re probably like, dang, why did Eli tell me to stay in Makati instead of BGC or Intramuros? Well, while Makati feels like a business district by day, it truly comes alive at night. What’s worse than making a long trek home after a night out? With Makati’s pulsing nightlife scene, it is best to stay close to Barangay Poblacion, where the best nights out in Manila can be had.

If you’re staying at Lub D, head up to the rooftop bar to catch the nighttime skyline views and sip on a cocktail or San Miguel. Not a bad place to stay, huh? If Lub D’s not lively enough for you, you might want to consider staying at the Mad Monkey Hostel right in the heart of the nightlife district. Anyone who’s backpacked through South East Asia is familiar with their brand and their parties.

Best Bars in Makati

Now, where to first? Poblacion in Makati is the hub for nightlife, and with so many bars to choose from, it can be overwhelming picking a spot. A good bar can set the night off on a good note, so let’s begin at Spirits Library for cocktails and live music. With a jazzy, blues vibe and a huge selection of liquors from its “library of spirits”, this is a great place to have a cocktail or two to begin the night.

Spirits Library can be loud if a live band is currently performing, so for something more low-key, one can check out Run Rabbit Run cocktail bar. Its intimate setting is great for chatting, so if that’s your vibe, opt for a few drinks there instead. Next up, let’s head to Agimat at Ugat. Its name, meaning Talisman and Root, is a reference to old Filipino legends and mythology. The ambiance heavily derives from witchcraft and dark fantasy, with its drinks and decor inspired by supernatural beings in Filipino folklore. Apothecary, another bar nearby, has a similar theme, so if Agimat at Ugat is a bit too crowded, pop over to Apothecary instead.

These are just a handful of reliable favorites, but Poblacion has a plethora of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs to choose from, with new establishments setting up shop every month. The Fun Roof is a games-themed bar that I’ve yet to go to, but have heard good things about. Alma, Kampai, and Banter and Jive are a few others that I’ve been meaning to check out. There’s also a huge selection of sports bars and pub-style spots that can be good for a reliable pint without the frills. Of course, there’s the iconic, albeit tacky, Filling Station Bar & Cafe that dominates Burgos Street.

Best Nightclubs in Makati

On to the nightclubs. Now, I’ve been to many clubs in Poblacion, but I could not tell you the name of a single one of them. Octopus, self-described as a “European-style super club”, is the hot, new nightclub in town, and quickly worked its way to renown as the best in Poblacion. Apotheka is a good alternative if you still want the electronic music of Octopus, but in a more traditional rave setting. There are dozens more nightclubs in Makati, but quite frankly, none of them stand out as they are all fairly similar. Most are big lounges with a dance floor and DJ playing Top 40 hits. If you aren’t feeling it at Octopus and Apotheka, I’d just pop into each door on the stretch of nightclubs to see what the vibe is like, then dance the night away. Welcome to Manila, baby.

Buy Me A Beer!

If this post helped you out, please show some love and support for the blog and help keep my adventures going by buying me a beer! My adventures are entirely self-funded, so any show of support is greatly appreciated. It allows me to keep writing travel guides to help you all travel the world on a budget.

More on the Philippines

• One Month Philippines Backpacking Itinerary
• The Backpacker’s Crash Course Travel Guide to the Philippines
• The Backpacker’s Travel Guide to Siargao
• Visiting Apo Whang-Od, The World’s Oldest Tattoo Artist
• How To Spend A Day in Manila